Mr. “Sam” Tolbert Hugh Coker, a beloved member of the Arab community, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday evening, December 24, 2025, at the age of 95. Born on January 19, 1930, in Marshall County, Alabama, Sam was the son of John Robert Coker and Amy Avis Lawler Coker. He graduated from high school and went on to earn an associate’s degree. Sam was a devoted member of Shoal Creek Baptist Church throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Lucy Lorene Hood Coker, who passed away on May 21, 2018.
Sam was widely known as a successful businessman in Arab, where he owned and operated Coker Tractor Company, a John Deere dealership, for more than 65 years. When not dedicating his time to his business, Sam enjoyed tending to his garden and watching his favorite ball teams on TV, especially enjoying the sport teams of the University of Alabama.
Survivors include his sons, Randy Coker and Dwain “Bo” Coker (Cindy); daughters, Diedra Coker and Dana Coker Taylor; grandchildren, Aneitra Hinds (Greg), Janna Lumpkin (Riley), Clay Leak, Adria Leak Tortorigi (Joseph), Wesley Coker; great grandchildren Taylor Hinds, Trevor Hinds (Ari), Raisley Lumpkin, Reagan Lumpkin, Daylan Coker, and Trendon Coker; great great grandchild, Jenni Cate Hinds; and brothers, Robert Earl Coker (Gwenelle); Glenn Coker (Barbara); and caretaker, Christina Duniven.
Preceding Sam in death includes his wife, Lorene Coker; parents, John Robert and Amy Avis Coker; brother, Byron Coker; and sister, Johnese Buckalew.
Services for Sam will be at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel on Sunday, December 28, 2025. Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon until the funeral service begins at 2:00pm. Brother Randy L. Blakely and Brother Clint Maze will be officiating. Burial will be in Arab Memorial Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Greg Hinds, Riley Lumpkin, Joseph Tortorigi, Wesley Coker, Taylor Hinds and Trevor Hinds; Honorary Pallbearers are Clay Leak and Raisley Lumpkin. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
In Lieu of flowers the family encourages donations to Shepherd’s Cove Hospice.
